The cognitive dysfunction and depleted energy levels common to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome make it difficult to function effectively, never mind pursue a VA disability claim appeal. Summary Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), severely impacts veterans, affecting their cognitive abilities and physical endurance, often making daily tasks challenging. Symptoms of CFS in veterans ..read more

Specific circumstances and disabilities may render veterans eligible for VA Special Monthly Compensation. Summary Special Monthly Compensation provides additional financial support for veterans, their spouses, or surviving family members with severe service-connected disabilities or specific conditions requiring caregiver support or medical supervision. Veterans may qualify for VA Special Monthly Compensation if they have significant disabilities ..read more

With convincing evidence and a strong advocate, veterans can demonstrate that they deserve a VA disability rating increase.  Summary Veterans may seek to increase their VA disability rating if their symptoms have worsened or if the VA initially underestimated the severity of their condition. Obtaining a higher rating requires meeting evidentiary standards. It may also ..read more

The most common VA disabilities include hearing problems, joint damage, and trauma-related mental issues. Summary Nearly 2 million VA disability claims were processed in 2023, with the top 5 common disabilities remaining consistent. As common conditions among veterans, tinnitus and hearing loss often result from loud work environments and typically lead to a 10% VA ..read more

Veterans who participate in the VA burn pit registry can gain access to information about possible health effects of exposure while providing the VA with the data it needs to serve vets with service-related conditions. Summary The VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry collects data on health risks from toxic exposures. This helps veterans and researchers understand and address service-related conditions. The registry targets Gulf War veterans and veterans of post-9/11 conflict in Southwest Asia are eligible to sign up, particularly those exposed to burn pits and other hazardous mat ..read more

The VA relies on medical records and tests to determine ratings for heart and lung diseases. Summary VA ratings for heart disease are based on medication use, medical imaging showing cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation, and MET stress test results which measure the exertion level needed to induce symptoms. The level of METs where a veteran’s heart disease symptoms appear is negatively correlated with their VA disability rating. VA ratings for lung diseases primarily depend on the results of Pulmonary Function Tests, particularly spirometry tests measuring Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced ..read more

Thorough documentation and a strong service connection are essential to veterans disability claims for anxiety and depression. Summary Veterans often experience anxiety and depression due to trauma, stress, or serious health issues. Anxiety and depression in veterans are common among veterans, significantly affecting their well-being and increasing the likelihood of self-destructive behavior. The VA recognizes various forms of anxiety and depression as service-connected mental health conditions eligible for disability benefits. To qualify for VA disability benefits, veterans must obtain a for ..read more

Veterans may now qualify for VA disability benefits for presumptive conditions added by the PACT Act. Summary The PACT Act has added numerous presumptive conditions related to in-service toxic exposure, simplifying the process for veterans to qualify for VA disability benefits. Many veterans may need to file appeals to obtain compensation for PACT Act presumptive conditions, which typically require substantial time and legal support. The PACT Act lists conditions like various cancers, respiratory diseases, and other illnesses linked to toxic exposure during the Gulf War, post-9/11, and Vietna ..read more

The effective date of your veterans disability claim has relevant implications for your VA disability benefits. Summary A veteran’s effective date determines when they started being entitled to VA disability benefits, impacting the amount of back pay they receive. The VA typically uses the date the condition emerged or when they received the claim, whichever is later. Filing a veterans disability claim within a year of discharge can help secure an earlier effective date. Back pay is the compensation you would have received if the VA had granted your claim on the effective date. Therefore, it ..read more

Noticing and documenting Agent Orange symptoms is important, as it adds credibility to a veteran’s toxic exposure claim for VA disability benefits. Summary Veterans should keep a record of symptoms of Agent Orange exposure, such as frequent infections, fatigue, acne, edema, respiratory issues, and muscle tremors, to strengthen their VA disability claims. Agent Orange exposure can cause severe illnesses including various cancers, coronary artery disease, Parkinson’s disease, Type II diabetes, and hypothyroidism. The VA also recognizes these as presumptive conditions. To qualify for VA disabili ..read more